Newsroom

Minneapolis, Minnesota (December 29, 2012)—South Minneapolis’ 50th and Penn shopping area will get a new addition this winter, with locally-owned casual morning bistro Sparrow Cafe moving into the Lynnhurst neighborhood.

Coffee and espresso connoisseurs who value fair trade, sustainably grown coffees have a new destination in the neighborhood now that Sparrow Cafe has opened its doors. Sparrow Cafe will focus on fair trade, sustainably grown coffees and teas and handcrafted espresso drinks.

Extending this philosophy to their cafe menu, Sparrow Cafe offers a wide array of gourmet pastries and will soon offer sandwiches and soups.

“It’s been our dream to create a beautiful space where people can savor life while enjoying delicious, healthy food and drink. We will seek out the best artisan roasters who share our commitment to fair trade and eco-friendly practices, and source our baked good and other food items from local suppliers who share our vision,” says Sheila Rajendren, Sparrow Cafe co-owner.

Sparrow Cafe opens to the public on January 1 when Sheila and Jasper Rajendren move into the former Adagio Cafe space. After a beautiful makeover, anchored by a 300-square foot playful yet sophisticated mural by local artists Broken Crow, the space now has an upscale yet welcoming neighborhood feel.

Opening day will feature free coffee and pastry samples and a drink-naming contest. Customers can “friend” Sparrow Cafe on Facebook or follow it on Twitter to keep up with all of the happenings and with future specials and events.

Jasper Rajendren has managed restaurants, ranging from coffee shops to fine dining establishments, for more than 12 years. Sheila (Ryan) Rajendren has had a successful, 15-year career in photography and is in addition now a baker, following her passion for good food and drink.

Broken Crow is a stencil-based artistic collaboration between Mike Fitzsimmons and John Grider. Since 2003, Broken Crow has attained global recognition for their pioneering use of large-scale stencils in the increasingly established arena of street art.